Exploring the Authenticity of Thai Flavors from Four Corners of Thailand in the Heart of Jakarta

Thai Kulier at the event titled "Thai SELECT: A Journey Through the Thai Kingdom" at Chao Phraya Restaurant (Dok. Thai SELECT)

JAKARTA - Diplomacy through the dinner table is an elegant way to celebrate cultural closeness. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of Thailand has just held an event entitled "Thai SELECT: A Journey Through the Thai Kingdom" at Chao Phraya Restaurant, South Jakarta. This event is not just a dinner party, but a mission to introduce the quality and authenticity standards of the White Elephant's culinary in Indonesia.

Led by the Ambassador of Thailand to Indonesia, His Excellency Mr. Prapan Disyata, the event brought together diplomats, media representatives, and community leaders to better understand what makes a Thai dish considered "authentic".

The Meaning Behind the "Thai SELECT" Certification

The main focus of the evening was education regarding Thai SELECT certification. This is an official recognition from the Thai Ministry of Commerce for restaurants that are committed to maintaining traditional recipes, correct cooking techniques, and the use of authentic ingredients. Restaurants that bear this title are considered to have successfully brought the spirit of "Thai cuisine" to the international market with maintained standards.

Culinary Journey from North to South

Guests are invited to travel through the geographical map of Thailand through six courses of dishes that represent the unique characteristics of each region:

Northern Thailand: It opens with Khao Soi, a rich curry noodle soup.

Central Thailand: Presenting Poonim Yum Som-O (soka crab pomelo salad) and Pla Sam Rod (three-flavored snapper) that balances sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

North-East Thailand: Presenting Leng Saap, a strong and fresh beef bone broth.

Southern Thailand: Represented by Goong Yang or grilled shrimp with traditional dipping sauce typical of the coast.

Conclusion: Classic mango sticky rice (Khao Nieo Mamuang) and refreshing bunga telang drink.

Education Through Live Demonstration

In addition to tasting the dishes, guests watched cooking demonstrations that showed traditional techniques and ingredient selection. Mr. Kumtornpol Buapatch, Deputy Director of the Thai Trade Center Jakarta, explained that this program aims to do more than just share recipes. "We want to promote the authenticity and cultural pride behind each dish. Seeing the appreciation from guests in Indonesia is proof of the success of the Thai SELECT mission in reaching new audiences," he said.

Through this multisensory experience, it is hoped that the Indonesian people will not only enjoy the taste, but also have confidence in the high quality and standards offered by officially certified restaurants.